![\"Andrew](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1765065323_400_0_Andrew-Flintoff-comments-on-Top-Gear-crash.jpg\")
Freddie Flintoff backed a campaign to raise \u00a31.1M to build a cinema at a Manchester hospital(Image: PA)<\/p>\nThe campaign aims to raise enough money to build a MediCinema in ManchesterFreddie Flintoff backed a campaign to raise \u00a31.1M to build a cinema at a Manchester hospital(Image: PA)<\/p>\n
Several major companies have supported the Freddie Flintoff-backed campaign to raise money to build a cinema for Manchester hospitals. The Manchester MediCinema Appeal is a \u00a31.1m fundraising campaign to build an in-hospital cinema inside Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI).<\/p>\n
When built, the MediCinema will benefit patients at both MRI and Royal Manchester Children\u2019s Hospital (RMCH). In a video message launching the appeal, which has now been backed by Wayne and Colleen Rooney<\/a>, Freddie Flintoff said it will be ‘almost like a Christmas<\/a> present for Manchester’.<\/p>\n Launching the campaign on Monday (December 1), Top Gear presenter Mr Flintoff said: \u201cI\u2019m delighted to support the Manchester MediCinema Appeal, which will bring the magic of movies to children and adults in hospital right here in the city. Some patients are in hospital for months, even years, which makes a simple trip to the cinema impossible. This MediCinema will change that for thousands of patients every single year – being able to enjoy a film with their family really will mean the world.<\/p>\n The \u00a31.1m Appeal will ensure the cinema is delivered at no cost to the NHS<\/a>. The purpose-built facility will host around 260 screenings per year, giving thousands of patients annually, including seriously ill children, the chance to experience the comfort, connection, and distraction that only film can provide during long hospital stays. The cinema will also enable patients to create treasured memories with their families, while offering a much-needed sense of normality and respite during treatment.<\/p>\n Content cannot be displayed without consent<\/p>\n The Appeal has already attracted backing from several leading companies, including:<\/p>\n And the charity is now encouraging more organisations to support the Appeal and help reach the \u00a31.1m target by Christmas<\/a>.<\/p>\n Rachel Laycock, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, said: \u201cManchester\u2019s business community has always stepped up for our hospitals, and the MediCinema Appeal is a chance for companies to make a meaningful, lasting difference for our patients and families.<\/p>\n “A contribution of any size will help bring us closer to creating a unique space that will transform the hospital experience for our patients for years to come. We\u2019re incredibly grateful to the organisations already backing the appeal and we\u2019re calling on more businesses to get involved.\u201d<\/p>\n Sophie Mundin, Company Director from The Manero Cinema Group, which includes the Savoy Cinema in Stockport<\/a> and one of the first organisations to join the Appeal, said: \u201cWe\u2019re proud to support the Manchester MediCinema Appeal and help spread the word to our audiences. By showcasing the Appeal in our cinemas, we hope to encourage local people to get involved and help create a truly special space where patients can enjoy the magic of film, even when in hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n Amy Duignan, Head of HR at Lipton and PG Tips’ Trafford<\/a> Park site, said: \u201cWe\u2019re thrilled to support the Manchester MediCinema Appeal by sponsoring the charity\u2019s Christmas carol concert, Carols in the City. We\u2019re proud to help make this state-of-the-art cinema a reality for Manchester patients. We hope our contribution inspires others to get involved and help create special moments for those who need it most.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"This](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_Medicinema-Manchester-Front-View.jpg\")
This is the proposed MediCinema design(Image: MRI)<\/p>\n\n
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This is the MediCinema at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool(Image: Getty Images for Disney UK)<\/p>\n